ST PETER’S COMMUNITY SCHOOL from Passage West scored in the last minute to defeat Mulroy College Milford in the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup final.
Mulroy College, Milford 1-2 Passage West (Cork)
With extra-time looming, Courtney Histon got the better of Claire Friel with an effort from 20 yards to win the title for the Cork side at the AUL Complex in Dublin.
The much anticipated finale saw last season’s finalists do battle once more for the prestigious title. Mulroy College were appearing in their third consecutive Cup Final having won in 2014 and losing out to arch rivals St. Peter’s twelve months previously in the same venue.
Milford have had a strong hold in this category as their name has been etched on the Cup in three out of the eight years of the competition. The Donegal side were notable winners in 2009, 2012 and 2014. Some record for the Ulster champions.
The Passage West contingency had a wonderful season in 2015 as both the Senior Boys and Girls snatched All Ireland titles for St. Peter’s. It made for an exciting climax to their season.
The Munster Champions settled into proceedings well and were one up inside 20 minutes. Histon had a courageous run through the centre and fired a wonderful ball for Danielle Hayes to pounce on. The youngster made no mistake as she slotted the ball past a diving Friel from eight yards out.
With the interval fast approaching, the hardworking Caoimhe Walsh delivered an inviting ball into the box for Rebecca Ryan and Claudia Ward but the duo were inches from making the decisive connection. Frustrating for the Ulster side as they were one down at the break.
A much more determined performance in the second period saw Zoe Green continue to dominate in the Milford defence.
Catherine Grier and Walsh were getting on the ball more and making some creative chances upfront. The dangerous duo of Ryan and Ward was always a threat. Their daring endeavours were rewarded on the hour mark as Amanda Callaghan got the equaliser in fine style.
Green impressed throughout proceedings and forced a marvellous save from sub keeper Aoife O’Flynn as the game was drawing to a close, additional time was on the cards as the seconds ticked by.
Under-15 Schools’ international Histon had a shot from distance sail over the upright but her second attempt moments later found its mark with an amazing finish from distance to ensure the victory in spectacular fashion. Jubilation for St. Peter’s but heartache for Mulroy.
Captain Danielle Burke was on hand to collect the trophy from Sue Ronan, Head Coach, Women’s National Team.
MULROY COLLEGE, MILFORD: Clare Friel, Siobhan Sweeney, Zoe Green, Emer Sweeney, Gráinne Friel (Joint Captain), Claudia Ward, Amanda Callaghan (Joint Captain), Caoimhe Walsh, Catherine Grier, Leah Duggan, Nicole Devenney. SUBS: Rebecca Ryan for Duggan (20), Michelle McDevitt for Ward (61), Chloe Buchanan, Megan McGee, Jasmaine Murray
TEACHERS: Maria Ryan Carr, Paul McGovern, Aisling McAteer
PETER’S COLLEGE, PASSAGE WEST, CORK: Emma Harrington, Danielle Burke (Captain), Emma O’Sullivan, Ria O’Mahoney, Ellen O’Mahoney, Courtney Histon, Clionadh Fahy (Vice Captain), Orla Higgins, Aoife O’Flynn, Danielle Hayes, Erin McEveney. SUBS: Kate Dorgan for Harrington (HT), Natalie Schauss, Claire Hyde, Kate Atkinson, Nikki Joyce, Lucy Hayden, Kelly McGranaghan
TEACHER: Finbar Loftus
REFEREE: Deirdre Nolan (Dublin)
Tags: